Restorative Dentistry

Your Oral Health Renewed

Fillings (Composite and Amalgam)

Composite Fillings

Composite resins, or tooth-colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small- to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on either front or back teeth. They are a good choice for people who prefer that their fillings look more natural.

Advantages of composites:

Aesthetics: The main advantage of a direct dental composite over traditional materials such as amalgam is improved aesthetics. Composites can be in a wide range of tooth colors allowing near invisible restoration of teeth. Composite fillings can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth.

Bonding to tooth structure: Composite fillings micro-mechanically bond to tooth structure. This strengthens the tooth’s structure and restores its original physical integrity. The discovery of acid etching (producing enamel irregularities ranging from 5-30 micrometers in depth) of teeth to allow a micro-mechanical bond to the tooth allows good adhesion of the restoration to the tooth. Very high bond strengths to tooth structure, both enamel and dentin, can be achieved with the current generation of dentin bonding agents.

Amalgam Fillings

Dental amalgam is a dental filling material used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay. It has been used for more than 150 years in hundreds of millions of patients around the world.

Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Approximately 50% of dental amalgam is elemental mercury by weight. The chemical properties of elemental mercury allow it to react with and bind together the silver/copper/tin alloy particles to form an amalgam.

Dental amalgam fillings are also known as “silver fillings” because of their silver-like appearance. Despite the name, “silver fillings” do contain elemental mercury.

When placing dental amalgam, the dentist first drills the tooth to remove the decay and then shapes the tooth cavity for placement of the amalgam filling. Next, under appropriate safety conditions, the dentist mixes the powdered alloy with the liquid mercury to form an amalgam putty. This softened amalgam putty is placed and shaped in the prepared cavity, where it rapidly hardens into a solid filling.

Endodontics

Endodontics deals with diseases of the tissue, blood vessels, and nerves inside the tooth. The most common endodontic treatment is called a “root canal,” a procedure used to remove infected tissue and refill the nerve canal inside the tooth. A root canal allows you to retain your natural tooth while eliminating the infection. For more information on our restorative dental treatments from your Roseburg family dentist, give us a call today at (541) 378-6694.

Periodontics

Over 75% of Americans age 35 and over have some form of gum disease, a result of poor dental hygiene and the subsequent build-up of plaque. In gum disease’s earliest stage, your gums might swell and bleed easily. At its worst, you might lose your teeth. The good news is that gum disease is preventable in most cases. Attention to everyday oral hygiene (brushing and flossing), coupled with professional cleanings twice a year, could be all that is needed to prevent and actually reverse the early stage of gum disease. If you have gum disease, our doctors will identify it during your exam at our office and recommend the best treatment for the level of severity.

Extractions

You and your dentist may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease , or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, our dentists will discuss alternatives to extractions as well replacement of the extracted tooth.

Crowns and Bridges

A crown is a prosthetic tooth that is used to restore teeth where the structure is too weakened or damaged to accept amalgam or dental composite fillings. Dental technology has come a long way to improve the look of crowns and the convenience. A porcelain crown can sometimes be done in a single office visit. By using all porcelain material we are able to eliminate the dark edges at the gum line that were once visible with the old style crowns. Given proper care, your crowns can last a lifetime.

A bridge is a dental device that fills a space where a tooth previously occupied. Compared to the old style bridges, these works of art are exceptionally well-fitting and look very natural.

A bridge may be necessary to:

Prevent shifting of the teeth that can lead to bite problems (occlusion) and/or jaw problems and resultant periodontal disease.

Safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.

To learn more about crowns or bridges, we invite you to contact our Roseburg, OR dental practice today at (541) 378-6694.